Shock and sadness at sudden passing of Athlone lecturer

There was shock and deep sadness at the sudden passing on Friday last of Brian Garvey, who had been working as a lecturer at Athlone IT (now TUS) for more than two decades.

Mr Garvey, from Ballaghaderreen in Roscommon, was described as a caring person and a "true gentleman" who was held in the highest regard by his work colleagues and his students in Athlone.

A spokesperson for TUS told the Westmeath Independent: "Brian joined AIT in 1999 and contributed hugely to the Department of Civil Engineering & Trades, where his passion and meticulous nature combined with his dry wit and deep technical knowledge made him a beloved member of our community.

"Brian was a friend and supporter of colleagues and students alike, and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

"We would like to express our sincere condolences to all of Brian's family and friends."

Mr Garvey's untimely death is mourned by his parents Paul and Margaret, his brother Brendan, sisters Gráinne, Síobha and Margaret-Anne, brother-in-law Bryan, nephews Domhnall and Gerard, nieces Ellen, Elizabeth and Eva, uncles, aunts, cousins, neighbours, many friends and colleagues at TUS.

His funeral Mass is taking place tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12 noon in St Nathy's Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen, followed by interment in Kilcolman Cemetery. The funeral Mass will streamed online here.

May he rest in peace.